French contemporary artist Yann Toma was one of the few artists that attended the United Nations Climate Summit last year as an “observer.” Throughout the day, he listened to many of the speeches given by world leaders, celebrities and members of civil society, all expressing their concern for the impact that climate change is having on people’s lives.
As they spoke, Mr. Toma sketched the speakers on the spot. The result are 100 hand-drawn portraits, which showcase statements made by Heads of State, UN officials, and indigenous leaders.
“I was so impressed by all these people coming together and calling for action, and while I was listening I drew these sketches. It was very inspiring,” Mr. Toma said.
He added that his intention was to put these strong statements from different figures side by side, so people could see the various positions on this topic, and to raise the voice of those affected by this phenomenon.
His sketches are now being exhibited at the Espace Krajcberg in Paris. The exhibit opened last week and will continue until the end of April. Among those depicted are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Christiana Figueres, and UN Messenger of Peace for Climate Change, Leonardo DiCaprio.
Mr. Toma is now working on a large-scale installation on the Eiffel Tower to be launched on the week of the climate negotiations in Paris in December. The project seeks to power the Eiffel Tower using human energy.
Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Christiana Figueres, “Governments are moving faster now, we need to design and implement solutions.”
Skardu Vanuatu Chief, “This is an urgent appeal. Vanuatu suffers from cyclones.”
Actor and Messenger of Peace on Climate Change, Leonardo DiCaprio,”If our ecosystems collapse this is because of our lack of courage. You can can make history.”